Worst2First: My Most Anticipated Films of Summer 2019
Worst2First:
My Most Anticipated Films of Summer 2019
Here are the 39 major films coming out this summer and how excited I am to see them, worst2first...
**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**
**DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
#39
Playmobil: The Movie
August 16
Ever since "The LEGO Movie" became a surprise success, it seems that toy companies have wanted to dip their feet in the film industry. Based on the Playmobil toys, this animated film follows their adventures and will most likely be the biggest summer bomb of the year, as it looks completely soul-less and a "LEGO Movie" rip-off.
#38
Dora and the Lost City of Gold
August 2
Based on the wildly popular television series, someone decided it was a great idea to make it into a full-length live-action film, and I'm still wondering who was that dumb to think it was a good idea. Isabela Moner (who's a fantastic young actress in her own right, starring in "Transformers: The Last Knight," "Instant Family," and "Sicario: Day of the Soldado") dons the iconic outfit and first has to endure the wilds of high school before venturing to the wilderness with her friends (and also Boots and Diego) to rescue her family. The effects in the trailer looks laughable at best, and the script seems as thin as you could imagine.
#37
UglyDolls
May 3
This summer officially belongs to Disney, as it looks to be an exemplary summer for kids animated films, but "UglyDolls" isn't one of them (then again, they're not owned by Disney...or they may, I have no idea). Much like "The LEGO Movie," "UglyDolls" is a film based on a beloved children's toy brought to the big screen, but unlike "The LEGO Movie," I don't see it being a success...or breaking even. Even though it includes catchy songs and a great vocal cast including Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, Janelle Monae and Blake Shelton, and even though it gives the important message of accepting yourself just as you are, it doesn't look like anything spectacular, and parents will groan when their kids force them to see it.
#36
Overcomer
August 23
There seems to be a growing "Christian Universe" film franchise, but unlike pretty much any other film franchises in the history of the world, no one watches them. Set in the same world as "War Room" and "Courageous" (haven't heard of them? You're probably not a Christian then, since that's the only audience they get), "Overcomer" centers on a young girl who seemingly couldn't run to save her life become a champion, and of course we all know how it's all going to turn out.
#35
The Angry Birds Movie 2
August 16
The first "Angry Birds" film (the movie based on an app game that hasn't been popular since the iPhone 3) was a surprise modest success, so of course they had to follow it up with a sequel - three years after the original. This time the birds and pigs must come together to stop a new threat - a purple bird who's tired of living in the frozen arctic and wants her own spot in the sun. Looks funny enough, and it's got a good vocal cast, but I just don't see it being any sort of a success, especially coming out so late in the summer after much better kids movies have been out.
#34
47 Meters Down: Uncaged
August 16
Not since "Jaws 2" have people not been afraid at all to enter the water due to the nonexistent threat of sharks. The first "47 Meters Down" was a modest success since it was basically filmed for nothing, so they decide to try their hand again with a sequel that no one asked for or needed.
#33
A Dog's Journey
May 17
The sequel to "A Dog's Purpose," "A Dog's Journey" follows Bailey as he and his "boy" Ethan enjoy the new addition of Ethan's granddaughter, before she's taken away by her mother. As he dies, Ethan tells Bailey to come back and watch over his granddaughter, which he does. The result is different lifetimes of protecting the girl, and of course it'll have be reduced to a puddle of tears as these films always get me, because we do not deserve the love dogs give us.
#32
The Intruder
May 3
Dennis Quaid goes from starring the family-friendly "A Dog's Journey" to playing a total psycho in "The Intruder." When a young couple purchases a home from Quaid's character Charlie, they didn't realize it came with an addition - Charlie himself, who can't seem to let his old home go. I don't expect any twists or turns in this tale, and this looks like a film better fit for Lifetime than the big screen.
#31
Poms
May 10
Summer isn't only geared for families, but for the older generations as well. Last year's "Book Club" was a huge success, and "Poms" hopes to follow in that trend. Starring Diane Keaton (who was also in "Book Club"), "Poms" follows Martha as she moves to a new retirement community prepared to die, but instead finds new friends and a new purpose - to start a cheerleading squad and compete in a cheering competition. I can't say anything really bad about this film, because it looks absolutely charming, funny, and heartfelt, but obviously it's not for my demographic.
#30
Booksmart
May 24
While most summers feature some fantastic raunchy comedies, 2019 doesn't seem to have that many. "Booksmart" tries to be one of them, and while it looks funny enough, it probably won't blow anyone's socks off. Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein (who completely stole the show in "Lady Bird") star as two nerdy girls who spent their high school years studying while everyone else was partying, and decide before graduation to go out and have some fun of their own. That'll probably be the only fun had in this film, but maybe it'll be a surprise quirky comedy - but I won't hold my breath.
#29
Good Boys
August 16
The other raunchy comedy coming out this summer is the Seth Rogen-produced "Good Boys," about three young friends who want to learn how to kiss, so they use their dad's drone to spy on a teenage couple, but gets the drone confiscated. The ensuing adventure to get it back leads to hilarious hi-jinks and sexually-toned humor. The film's marketing ploy is fantastic, as they mention the young actors can't even see the trailer for the movie they're in, and it features young Jacob Tremblay (from the award-winning "Room") in his most raunchy movie yet.
#28
The Sun is Also a Star
May 17
Based on the young adult novel by Nicola Yoon, "The Sun is Also a Star" features Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton as two young people who meet randomly on the street, and spend the day together getting to know one another before Shahidi's character Natasha is deported the following day. It looks like your general sappy teenage romance, but at least it features two minorities instead of the traditional white relationship.
#27
The Informer
August 16
Joel Kinnaman plays a reformed criminal who's brought on by the FBI to go undercover in a prison to expose a drug ring, and he finds himself without allies as he discovers he really can't trust anyone. This seems like your general, run-of-the-mill spy caper featuring a reformed bad guy who's now got something worth fighting for, and the government that turns on anyone on a dime, mixed in with that one agent who's good and wants to do what's right. Rosamund Pike and Clive Owen co-star.
#26
Where'd You Go, Bernadette?
August 9
Directed by Richard Linklater ("Dazed and Confused," "Boyhood"),
"Where'd You Go, Bernadette" centers around eccentric Bernadette, who
doesn't really much care for anyone other than her husband and daughter,
who mysteriously goes missing at a party. Her daughter and husband
embark on an adventure of their own to find their missing loved one,
which looks to be a great blend of comedy and drama delivered by an
impeccable cast including Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup, Kristen Wiig and
newcomer Emma Nelson.
#25
Long Shot
May 3
Charlize Theron stars as Charlotte Field, the current Secretary of State and who's running for President. Seth Rogen stars as Fred Flarsky, a nerdy journalist who used to be baby-sat by Charlotte. Now adults, the two find each other again and fall in love, despite Fred's unsavory past and unkempt appearance. The film looks funny enough, but it's seemingly all-too-generic, something you've seen in countless other films of the like.
#24
Artemis Fowl
August 9
The books this film is based off of is strange at best, much like "A Wrinkle in Time" - a novel that seemed impossible to turn into a film. Yet Disney tried doing that last year, and while it had some great visuals, it didn't really become a hit. I feel "Artemis Fowl" will fail as much as "A Wrinkle in Time" did, but worse because it doesn't really feature any big-name actors in the leading roles. Plus the story of a young boy and his trusted butler who go in search of fairies to rob them and find his criminal father doesn't necessarily excite many people.
#23
Pokemon Detective Pikachu
May 10
Pokemon is a worldwide phenomenon, so it was only a matter of time before a live-action film was made on the property. "Detective Pikachu" stars Ryan Reynolds who voices everyone's most lovable Pokemon as he and his human counterpart Tim try to find out what happened to Tim's father by traversing the streets of Ryme City and interacting with other well-known Pokemon. Their discovery leads them to unravel a plan that threatens the harmony between humans and Pokemon forever. The animation looks really good, and casting Ryan Reynolds to voice Pikachu is a stroke of genius, but I think this won't appeal to anyone other than the true diehards - thankfully, there's a lot of them.
#22
Yesterday
June 28
Renowned director Danny Boyle directs "Yesterday," a film that features newcomer Himesh Patel as a struggling musician who gets hit by a bus during a worldwide blackout, and when he comes to, finds that no one remembers the songs of The Beatles except himself - and he uses that to make a name for himself as the biggest musician in the world. This dramedy also stars Lily James, Kate McKinnon and Ed Sheeran as himself, and looks to be an interesting alternative reality where the world's most famous band never existed.
#21
Child's Play
June 21
The original "Child's Play" is now a horror classic, giving birth to one of horror's most iconic names - Chucky. Don Mancini conceived the idea and directed every single subsequent sequel, and Brad Dourif always voiced the killer doll Chucky - until now. In this seemingly soul-less remake, neither man is involved in the production (instead they're working on a limited series on SyFy), and it looks like it's a wannabe cash grab. We'll see if it's any good, but not even announcing Mark Hamill will be voicing Chucky really instills any hope.
#20
The New Mutants
August 2
"The New Mutants" has undergone several revisions and release dates, and was almost even scrapped entirely to be put on Hulu, but now it looks like the film will finally see the light of day (I'm still not holding my breath). The film is a fresh take on superhero films, as it's more horror than action, and features a group of new mutants (including Magik, Wolfsbane, Cannonball, Sunspot, and Mirage) as they fight their way out of a hellish mental asylum. The film features some great young talent including Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, Charlie Heaton and Henry Zaga, and the idea seems fresh and new, so we'll see if all the wait is worth it.
#19
Men in Black: International
June 14
Reuniting "Thor: Ragnarok" stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson with standout Liam Neeson, "Men in Black: International" centers on two London agents who encounter aliens that lead them on an adventure around the world. No one necessarily asked for a sequel to the widely popular franchise (especially since it's without the original's leading stars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones), but we'll see how Hemsworth and Thompson's chemistry works here. Basically, I'm looking for a humor-filled action spectacle perfect for the summer months, but nothing more.
#18
The Hustle
May 10
Both "Ghostbusters" and the "Ocean's" series have received female-led remakes, and now it's time for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" to get the treatment. Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson star as two con-women who set out to deceive men and take their money, and it looks like a comedic match made in female heaven. Hathaway and Wilson seemingly work perfectly together, and it looks to be a great time at the theater.
#17
Shaft
June 14
Three generations of Shaft come together in this action comedy that looks to be entertaining, humorous, and action-packed. Jessie Usher stars as the youngest Shaft, who enlists the help of his famous father - again played by Samuel L. Jackson - for a personal case. They in turn enlist the original Shaft - played again by Richard Roundtree - to truly make it a family affair. I expect nothing but a laugh-out-loud, crude adventure featuring some great performances.
#16
Ma
May 31
When you think of Octavia Spencer, you probably think Oscar-award winning actress of "The Help," "Hidden Figures," and "The Shape of Water" - but horror isn't something you'd think of. Spencer branches out and stars in her first horror-filled film "Ma," where she plays a loner who opens her home as the drinking place for teenagers, and as she gains popularity, she slowly starts spiraling to a psychotic level. This looks tense and dramatic, with some really terrifying moments and a unique turn for the acclaimed actress (even though she did have an uncredited role in Rob Zombie's "Halloween 2" as a nurse).
#15
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw
August 2
"The Fast and the Furious" franchise has managed to maintain its popularity and provide action-packed films for over a decade, and now they're branching out and presenting a spinoff film. Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham return as their "Fast and the Furious" characters Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw as the two adversaries must come together to stop a ruthless international terrorist who's become cyber-genetically enhanced. Idris Elba stars as the villain, and this looks like everything you'd expect to see from a "Fast and the Furious" film, without the constant mention of Family.
#14
Rocketman
May 31
Hot off the heels of last year's award-winning biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody," Elton John is now getting his own biopic with "Rocketman." However, unlike "Rhapsody," it looks like "Rocketman" will be rated R, showcasing Elton John's entirety instead of just his eccentric stage presence. The film looks different in that it's more fantasy along with history, and it turns meta since it stars Taron Egerton as Elton John, who both appeared together in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" where Egerton's character has to rescue Elton John (who plays himself).
#13
Brightburn
May 24
In the film "Suicide Squad," Amanda Waller creates a team of villains to do good, because she worries that the next superhero like Superman might not share the ideals of truth and justice. "Brightburn" flips the superhero genre on its head and offers a compelling alternate universe where a Superman-like being crashes on earth and grows up, but instead of doing good, decides to do evil instead. The film is produced by James Gunn and features a strong cast, and looks to be absolutely terrifying.
#12
The Secret Life of Pets 2
June 7
The original "The Secret Life of Pets" was a huge hit, and it was only a matter of time before the sequel came out - although it had to wait a bit longer since Louis C.K. - the voice actor who voiced Max the main dog - came under fire for previous sexual misconduct. Patton Oswalt now voices Max, and the original voice actors all return (along with Tiffany Haddish and Harrison Ford in his first animated film) as the pets set out on new adventures and encounter new friends and enemies. This looks just as good as the original, and one that will surely please old and young alike.
#11
Aladdin
May 24
Disney continues adapting their animated classics into live-action spectacles with "Aladdin," a film that I was more excited to see before seeing the second trailer. In that infamous trailer, we finally see Will Smith as the Genie, and it was met with unintentional laughs and numerous Internet memes. While the third trailer shows more promise, the scene of Will Smith all blue can't get out of my head, and no one will be able to compare to the illustrious Robin Williams - but I'll still give it a chance.
#10
Annabelle Comes Home
June 28
"The Conjuring" universe expands with the release of "Annabelle Comes Home," the third installment in the "Annabelle" story. This time, the cursed doll returns to the home of Ed and Lorraine Warren, who keep the possessed doll encased in a sacred cabinet, but not even that can keep the evil from tormenting their ten-year-old daughter and her babysitters. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as the Warrens (although I don't think they'll be the main stars of the show), and McKenna Grace (who's been all over the place lately, starring in films like "Gifted" and a young Carol Danvers in "Captain Marvel," as well as starring in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Haunting of Hill House") plays the Warrens' daughter. Once again, this looks to be a terrifying trek into the unknown with this century's most terrifying doll.
#9
Tolkien
May 10
Based on the life of J.R.R. Tolkien - who brought us literary masterpieces "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" - "Tolkien" stars Nicholas Hout as the acclaimed author and how his life influenced his eternal legacy. The film looks to be moving and poignant, with a powerful performance and an intriguing look into the mind of a genius.
#8
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
August 9
Based on the novels that's scared children for generations, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" centers around the mysterious Sarah Bellows and the terrifying stories she wrote, and how her stories appear to be coming true. Produced by creature-feature icon Guillermo del Toro, this looks to be a viscerally terrifying film that will continue the novel's legacy.
#7
X-Men: Dark Phoenix
June 7
The new "X-Men" franchise has met with success ("Days of Future Past") and not-so-success ("Apocalypse"), and "Dark Phoenix" looks to fall somewhere in-between. The last of the "X-Men" films before Disney takes over, "Dark Phoenix" focuses on the popular comic series of the same name, where a cosmic force overtakes Jean Grey and turns her into a seemingly unstoppable killing machine. It looks like it'll be action-packed and suspenseful, and I'm more optimistic than most that it'll be better than expected.
#6
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
July 26
Quentin Tarantino returns with another of his offbeat dark humorous films, and tells the stories of an actor and his stunt double as they attempt to make a name for themselves in 1969 Hollywood. The film features Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio (surprisingly in their first film together), along with Margot Robbie, Al Pacino, Dakota Fanning, Bruce Dern, Damian Lewis, Emile Hirsch, Scoot McNairy, Luke Perry (in his final performance), Austin Butler, Lena Dunham and Timothy Olyphant, and looks to be another knockout for the acclaimed director.
#5
Toy Story 4
June 21
The "Toy Story" trilogy ended perfectly, so when word of a fourth film came out, it was met with some scrutiny. The trailer actually makes it look as good as the originals, so I'm giving it more of a chance. Now living with Bonnie, everyone's lovable toys find that Bonnie made a toy of her own - Forky, a spork who suffers an existential crisis since it's supposed to be a utensil and not a toy. When Forky escapes, Woody goes in search for him, and along the way he finds Bo Peep and a new outlook on life. The voice cast returns, with the addition of Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, and Keanu Reeves.
#4
The Lion King
July 19
Along with "Aladdin," Disney is bringing their animated classic "The Lion King" to the big screen in a (somewhat) live-action adaptation. The CGI used looks absolutely stunning and the young Simba looks adorable, and as everyone already knows the story, there's not much to tell. The film features a strong cast including Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, John Oliver, Beyonce, and James Earl Jones who returns to reprise his iconic voice as Mufasa. I don't doubt it will re-capture the magic the original had, something a new generation can truly appreciate and love.
#3
John Wick Chapter 3 - Parabellum
May 17
"If you want peace, prepare for war." Keanu Reeves returns as hitman John Wick, who finds himself on the run from literally everyone as a $14 million global contract has been placed on his head after breaking the rules of the Continental and killing a man in its walls. Alone and without aid, Wick turns to a former associate (Halle Berry) to help him make it through, even though he probably doesn't need it. The first two "John Wick" films were filled with tremendous action, and I know this will follow in its predecessors footsteps, providing a fun-filled summer blockbuster.
#2
Godzilla: King of the Monsters
May 31
The Godzilla story has been around for decades, mostly in the Asian continent. A few years ago, "Godzilla" premiered and was a huge hit, followed by fellow creature King Kong. Now Godzilla returns, but this time he's not alone - a race of god-sized monsters including Mothra, Rodan, and Godzilla's arch-nemesis King Ghidorah have emerged to challenge Godzilla for supremacy, and humanity could be the ultimate casualty. Starring Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Sally Hawkins, O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Ken Watanabe, this looks like an action-filled creature feature that's perfect for summer.
#1
Spider-Man: Far From Home
July 2
Tom Holland returns as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man as he and his classmates take a field trip to Europe, where he's enlisted by Nick Fury to stop the Elementals from taking over the world, with the help of the mysterious Mysterio. Jake Gyllenhaal makes his Marvel debut as the classic Mysterio, and this looks to be just as good as "Homecoming," filled with action, humor, and fantastic performances. 
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